IP broadcast system, and multiplexer, receiving apparatus and method used in IP broadcast system

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an IP broadcast system includes a transmitting side and a receiving side connected to the transmitting side through a broadcast network on an IP network. The transmitting side includes a multiplexer which generates a standardized multiplex frame including at least a header field and an information field by multiplexing a plurality of RTP packets. The receiving side includes a buffer which temporarily holds the multiplex frame from the broadcast network and a program reproducer which retrieves and analyzes the multiplex frame from the buffer, extracts a reproduction clock shared by a plurality of programs, demultiplexes a plurality of TSs for each program from the multiplex frame, and based on the reproduction clock, reproduces the programs from each TS.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2007-072365, filed Mar. 20, 2007; and No. 2008-050835, filed Feb. 29, 2008, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]One embodiment of the present invention relates to an IP broadcast system for broadcasting a TS (transport stream) of a plurality of programs through an IP broadcast network from a broadcast station to a broadcast receiver, and a multiplexer, a receiving apparatus and method used in the IP broadcast system.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In recent years, the use of an IP broadcast system has extended for transmission of the broadcast contents to the users of the broadcast receivers through an IP network in addition to the transmission of the broadcast contents on a broadcast wave to the broadcast receivers from a broadcast station. Also, in the IP...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to an IP broadcast system for broadcasting multiple programs through an IP network using a multiplexer and a receiving apparatus. The technical effects of the invention include the ability to simultaneously receive multiple UDP streams, the use of long packets to improve network performance, and the efficient transmission of programs through the network. The invention also includes a method for multiplexing a plurality of programs using a transport stream (TS) according to Moving Picture Experts Group 2 (MPEG2). The invention provides a general configuration of the IP broadcast system and a specific configuration of the multiplexer and receiver.

Problems solved by technology

In this case or especially in the case where a plurality of simultaneous programs are received by a set-top box (reproducing apparatus) for the IP broadcast, the requirement must be met for the process of simultaneous reception of a plurality of UDP streams, and the set-top box is correspondingly complicated, leading to an increased cost.

Although a method of multiplexing a plurality of programs using a transport stream (TS) according to Moving Picture Experts Group 2 (MPEG2) is available, the simultaneous processing of programs is complicated and a delay is caused.

The conventional packet length of about 1500 bytes, however, cannot exhibit the network performance sufficiently.

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